59th Congress, ) HOUSE OF REPKESENTATIVES. \ Document 

M Sessw7i. \ ] No. 714. 



RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 



MESSAGE 

FROM THE 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 

SUBMITTING 

A LETTER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, WITH ACCOMPANYING 
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING A FORM OF A RESOLUTION SUGGESTED 
FOR PASSAGE BY THE CONGRESS. 



April 21, 1906. — Read; referred to the Committee on Appropriations and, ordered to 

be printed. 



To the Senate and House of Representatives : 

I submit herewith a letter of the Secretary' of War, with accom- 
pan3'ing documents, including- a form of a resolution sugg-ested for 
passage l)y the Congress. 

This lettei" refers to the appalling catastrophe which has befallen 
San Francisco and neighl)oring cities, a catastrophe more appalling 
than any othei' of the kind that has befallen any portion of our coun- 
try- during its history. I am sure that there is need on my part of no 
more than a suggestion to the Congress in order that this resolution 
may l>e at once passed, but 1 urge that instead of appropriating a fur- 
ther sum of $1,000,000, as recommended Ijy the Secretary of War, the 
appropriation ))e for a million and a half dollars. The supplies already 
delivered or en route for San Francisco approximate in value a million 
and a half dollars, which is more tiian we have the authority in law as 
3'et to purchase. I do not think it safe for us to reckon upon the ne^d 
of spending less than a million in addition. Large sums are being 
raised by pri^'ate subscription in this country, and very generous 
offers have been made to assist us by individuals of other countries, 
which requests, however, I have refused, as in my judgment there is no 
need of any assistance from outside our own Iwrders — this refusal, of 
course, in no way lessening our deep appreciation of the kindly sym- 
pathy which has prompted such offers. 

The detailed account of the action of the War Department is contained 
in the appendices to the letter of the Secretary of War. At the moment 
our concern is purely with meeting the terrible emergency of the moment. 



2 - ' RELIEE' FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

Later I shall communieate with you as to the g-enerous part which I 
am sure the National Government will take in meeting the more per- 
manent needs of the situation, including, of course, rebuilding the great 
governmental structures which have been destrojed. 

1 hope that the action above requested can be taken to-da}'. 

Theodore Roosevelt. 
The White House, Apr// 21, 1906. 



/ u^^ U { 



j^ ^ '' *^' — s ^ { " War Department, 

; ■ Wa.^/u»(//or>^ April 21, 1906. 

My Dear Mr. President: The situation in San Francisco is such 
as to require an additional appropriation from Congress to meet the 
necessities of the people of that stricken citv who are immediatel}" in 
need of shelter and food. The War Department has rendered all the 
assistance possible, beginning its orders as soon as the tirst telegram 
was received from General Funston, about midnight of the 18th instant. 
Indeed a telegram was sent by Assistant Secretaiy Oliver to General 
Funston immediately upon the receipt of the new^s of the earthquake 
on the morning of the 18th, directing him to render all assistance 
possible. From the night of the 18th of April all the available stores 
of the Army of three departments have been used for relief purposes, 
assuming that the action of this Department would be ratitied by 
Congress in accordance with precedents in similar cases. 

The memorandum of the General Statf, which accompanies this letter, 
shows the telegrams received from General Funston, which gradually 
developed the extent of the terrible disaster and increased the amount 
of supplies of ever}' kind needed. 

All subsistence and quartermaster's supplies and all medical stores 
of every kind which were in the military depots in San Francisco 
were destroyed, except the local supplies fot the troops stationed at 
the post of the Presidio at San Francisco. Accordingl}-, everything 
had to be ordered from a distance. There are now on the wav, by 
special express trains, from every available and convenient point where 
they were stored, 900,000 rations, which means the rations for *JO0,0t»0 
soldiers for one day. The value of these rations is estimated by the 
Commissary-General to be $198,000. Two hundred thousand of these 
rations have probably reached San Francisco this morning, in charge 
of commissary officers. 

The Quartermaster's Department have expressed by special train 
wall tents, conical tents, hospital tents, and storage tents for the shelter 
of 100,000 people; 100,000 blankets, 7,500 mattresses, 11,500 bed sacks, 
^nd 8,000 cots, part of which have already reached San Francisco from 
the immediate vicinity, and all of which are hastening to the city by 
special trains, which have been given precedence over passenger trains. 

The quartermasters supplies alread}^ delivered in San Francisco or 
en route b}' special express trains in charge of competent military 
quartermasters amount in value to $1,031,734.40. 

The Medical Bureau of this Department has sent live carloads of 
medical supplies from St. Louis by express in charge of competent med- 
ical officers and hospital stewards. The estimated value of these medical 
supplies is $50,000. 



JUL 10 1906 

D. ot D, 



RP:LIEF for SAN FRANnSCO. ' 3 

It is Cistimatod that the cost of transpoi'tiitioii for all these supplies 
uniounts to If^l, ")(),( >()(), so that the cost of tliat which has already been 
done in the matter of reli(»t" for San Fi'ancisco is ij^l,-l-2*J,T3-l-.-lr«). 

On the ll*th C'ongress passed the tollowino" resolution: 

Resolred, That the Secretary of War h hereby authorized and directed to procure, 
in open market or otherwise, sul)Histence and quartermaster's sui)plies, in addition 
to such supplies belonging to the niiUtary estabHshment an<l availahle, and issue the 
same to such destitute persons who liave t)een rendered lionieh-ss or are in needy cir- 
cumstances as a result of the earthijuake which occurred April ei,ij;hteenth and the 
pending conflagration, and in executing this joint resolution the Secretary of War is 
directed to cooperate with the authorities of the State of California and the mayors 
of the cities in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, and such other cities on 
the Facidc coast as nui}' have sustained damage. 

7>V it fititlier resolved, That the Sct-retary of the Treasury, the Secretary of the Navy, 
and Secretary of Connnerce and Lal>or are hereby directed to cooperate with the 
Secretary of War in extending relief and assistance to these stricken people herein 
referred to, to the extent of the use of the naval vessels, revenue cutters, and other 
vessels, and Government supplies under their control on the Pacific coast. 

Be it further resolred, That to enable the Secretary of AVar to execute the provisions 
of this joint resolution, there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the Treas- 
ury not otherwise apjiropriated, the sum of one million dollars, to be expended under 
the direction and under the discretion of the Secretary of W;ir. 

On the 20th. at my suo-oestion, the resolution was amended so as to 
include medical supplies, as follo\vs: 

Besolred, That the appropriation of one million dollars, made by joint resolution 
approved the nineteenth instant, entitled "Joint resolution for the relief of sufferers 
from earthquake and conflagration on the Pacitic coast," shall be availai)le, under the 
discretion of the Secretary of AVar, to procure medical supplies, in addition to such 
sup))lies belonging to the Military I<]stablishment, and issue the same in like manner 
as the subsistence and quarterinaster's supplies specifically nientioneil in the joint 
resolution aforesaid. 

I have the honor to recommend that Congress be requested to 
appropriate $1,000,000 more, in order to meet the cost already incurred 
over and above the $1,000,000 appropriated, and to enable the War 
Department to ptirchase such additional supplies as may be needed 
for the purpose. 

The present resolution authorizes the expenditure of money for the 
relief of San Francisco. The supplies which have l^een sent have been 
taken out of the Regidar Army depots, and were necessary for the 
support and use of the Army. I respectfully sugo-est, therefore, that 
in the next resolution, which 1 hope Congress ma^^ pass, specific 
authority be given to the Secretary of War to use both the $1,000,000 
already appropriated and the amount which may be a]>propriated in 
the recommended resolution either to purchase supplies for the relief 
of San Francisco or to replace by purchase the supplies taken from 
the Regular Army stores for such relief purposes. 

I inclose the form of resolution which will accomplish the result 
sought. 

I attach the memorandum of the Chief of Stall', the report of the 
Quartermaster-General, and the report of the Commissary-General, 
with their accompanying telegraUiS and estimates. I also attach a 
memorandum from the Surgeon-General as to his operations and needs. 

The loss of the valuable sul)sistence, quartermaster's and medical 
stores assembled in the depot at San Francisco, for use at the Pacitic 
posts and in the Philippines, will require a ver}' considerable deficiency 
estimate, in order that they, in addition to the stores now being used 
for the relief of San Francisco, may be replaced. 



4 RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

The loss may be approximated as follows: 

Commissary stores $150, 000 

Quartermaster's stores 2, 941, 472 

Medical stores 357, 391 

Total 3, 448, 863 

I shall submit estimates for these at a later date. 
Ver}- respectfully, yours, 

Wm. H. Taft, Secretary of War. 
The President. 



Resolred, That one million dollars, in addition to the one million dollars already 
provided in joint resolution of April nineteenth, as amended by the resolution of 
April twentieth, for the relief of persons suffering as the result of the earthquake 
occurring April eighteenth, in California, is hereby appropriated, out of any money 
in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to l)e expended under the direction and 
discretion of tlie Secretary of War, and authority is herelty specifically given to the 
Secretary of War to use these appropriations, amounting in all to two million dollars, 
not only to buy additional supplies which may be needed for the relief of the suf- 
ferers, as directed in said resolutions of April nineteenth and April twentieth, but 
also for the purpose of replacing, by purchase, such subsistence, quartermaster's, and 
medical supplies as may have been furnished by the Secretary of War for such 
relief from the stores on hand for the use of the Armv. 



[For the Secretary of War: Memorandum of information refeived and orders given touching relief 

worli in San Francisco.] 

War Derartment, 
Office of the Chief of Staff, 

Washi/u/ton, April ^i, 1906. 
Shortly after midnight on the night of April 18-19, a message just 
received from General Funston by the Secretary of War, concerning 
supplies needed by the destitute and homeless in San Francisco, was 
repeated to me by telephone, with instructions from the Secretary to 
proceed at once to m^' office for conference regarding measures for 
relief. Other messages were almost immediaetl}^ received, and after 
they were read to the Secretary I received instructions to proceed, 
with the Quartermaster-General and the Cotnmissar^'-General, to give 
the necessaiy orders to forward supplies at the earliest practicable 
moment to General Funston. The Quartermaster-General and the 
Commissary-General were both called to the telegraph office. 

The transactions b^^ the Quartermaster-General and the Conuuissary- 
General for the next two days pursuant to these instructions, will be 
found in their memorandum reports, together with copies of all tele- 
graphic messages sent and received by them in this connection. All 
other telegrams sent by the War Department concerning relief sup- 
plies will be found attached hereto. 
Respectfully submitted. 

J. F. Bell, 
Brigadier- General.^ Chief of Staf. 



RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 5 

No. 1. 

San Fran'CI8Co, Cal., April 18, 1906. 

(Received 11.40 p. m.) 
The Secretary of War, Washington: 

We need thousands of tents and all rations that can be sent. Business portion of 
city destroyed and about 100,000 people homeless. Fire still raging; troops all on 
duty assisting police. Loss of life probably 1,000. Best part of resident district not 
yet burned. 

FUNSTON. 

No. 2. 

Oakland Pier, Cal., April IS. 

(Received 2.50 a. m. 19th.) 
Military Secketary, Washington: 

We are doing all possible to aid residents of San Francisco in present terrible 
calamity. Many thousands homeless. I shall do everything in my power to render 
assistance, and trust to AVar Department to authorize any action I may have to take. 
Army casualties will be reported later. All important papers saved. We need tents 
and rations for 20,000 people. 



Funston. 



No. 



Washington, D. C, April 19, 1906. (Sent at 4 a. m. ) 
General Funston, San Fi^andsco, Cal.: 

Your dispatch calling for tents and rations for 20,000 ])eople received. Have 
directed sending of 200,000 rations from Vancouver Barracks, nearest available point. 
Will give orders concerning tents immediately, and advise you within an hour. Do 
you need more troops? Of course, do everything possible to assist in keeping order, 
in saving life and property, and in relieving hunger by use of troops, material, and 
supplies under your orders. House passed enabling resolution to-day and Senate 
will to-morrow. All railway and telegraphic facilities surrounding San Francisco 
reported badly damaged and demoralized. Officers will accompany supplies where 
necessary, in order to insure as prompt forwarding and delivery as possible, with 
orders to keep in touch with you when practicalile. 

Taft, Secretary of War. 

No. 4. 

Washington, D. C, April 19, 1906. (Sent at 4.55 a. m.) 
General Funston, San Francisco: 

All available hospital, wall, and conical wail tents will be sent at once by express 
from ^"ancouver, Douglas, Logan, Russell, San Antonio, Monterey, Snelling, and 
Sheridan. Remainder will be sent from Philadelphia depot. Little definite informa- 
tion thus far received as to limits of burned districts or conditions. Wire details 
as comprehensively as possible. 

Taft, Secretanj of War. 

No. 5. 

Washington, D. C, April 19, 1906. 
Commanding General, Department op Columbia, 

Vancoxiver Barrncks, Wash.: 
Secretary of War directs you have commissary, Vancouver Barracks, send 200,000 
rations to depot commissary, San Francisco; also all available hospital, wall, and 
conical wall tents to depot quartermaster, with least delay possible, by quickest 
practicable route, either by water or rail. All railroad and telegraph facilities sur- 
rounding San Francisco reported badly damaged and demoralized. Have an officer 
accompany these stores, with view to seeing that they are forwarded and delivered 
promptly as possible, and instruct him to keep in touch, by wire, with Genieral 
Funston when practicable. Acknowledge receipt and report action. 

Bell, Chief of Staf. 



6 BELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

No. 6. 

Vancouver Barracks, Wash., April 19, 1906. 
Chief of Staff, 

War Department, WasJiington: 
Just received your telegram of this date. Orders have been issued accordingly. 
Chief commissary now in Portland purchasing rations. Will report results in accord- 
ance with instructions received last night from division commander. The com- 
manding officers of all posts in this department outside of Alaska have been ordered 
to ship all available tentage and all rations in excess of twenty days' allowance by 
quickest route, whether by rail or steamer, to San Francisco. 

Williams, 
Brigadier-General, Commanding. 

8.55 p. m. 

No. 7. 

Vancouver Barracks, Wash., April 19, 1906. 
Chief of Staff, 

War DejKuiment, Waaliingfoh, I). ('.: 
With reference to your telegram 18th regarding shipment all available tentage at 
Vancouver with ofticer to San Francisco, orders have been given and prompt action 
taken. 

Williams, 
Brigadier- General, Commanding. 

3.56 p. m. 

No. 8. 

Washington, D. C, April 19, 1906. (Sent at 6.45 a. m. 
Commanding General, Department of Dakota, 

St. Paul, Minn.: 
Ship by express to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, all wall, conical, and hos- 
pital tents, complete, that are now at Fort Snelling. Send competent officer with 
shipment to see to prompt delivery at San Francisco. ^~j 
By order of the Secretarv of War: 

Bell, Chief of Staf. 

Note. — Similar telegrams also sent affecting Fort Sheridan, Fort D. A. Russell, 
Fort Sam Houston, Vancouver, Monterey. 

No. 9. 

[Memorandum.] 

War Department, 
Office of the Chief of Staff, 

Wasliington, April 19, 1906. 

Captain Ross, of the Revenue-Cutter Service, called and offered the services of 
certain vessels in the Revenue Service for use in transporting tents, commissary sup- 
plies, etc., provided by the Army, to the destitute and homeless sufferers of the 
earthquake at San Franciscb. The following vessels were mentioned: 

The Perry, at Astoria, Oreg. ; displacement about 500 or 600 tons (a seagoing vessel, 
which can go to Vancouver Barracks, Portland, Seattle, Tacoma, etc., at once). 

The McCullough, at San Francisco; displacement about 1,200 tons (a seagoing vessel 
of considerably greater capacity than the Perrg; can reach Portland in about two 
and a half days, making round trip to San Francisco in five days, exclusive of time 
required for loading. This vessel can go anj' where desired). 

The Hartley, the Golden Gate — two tugs, which can be utilized for transporting 
supplies from the Presidio to San Francisco. They are now in San Francisco Harbor. 

At the suggestion of the Chief of Staff Captain Ross said he would communicate 
with the master of the Perrg, directing him to at once proceed to Vancouver Barracks 
and report to the commanding general, Department of the Columbia, for the purpose 
of transporting War Department supplies from that post and Portland to San Fran- 
cisco, provided the railroads are not open in time to admit of supplies being sent to 
San Francisco quicker by rail than by water. 



KKLTKF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 7 

No. 10. 

April 19, 1906. 
Captain Ross, Revenue-Cutter Service, telephoned to the Chief of Staff that he had 
just sent the following telegrams: 

Treasury Department, ]\'a.shington, D. C. 
Ca])tain Tuttle, 

Revenue Cutter Perry, Astoria, Oreg.: 
Proceed at once with Perry to Vancouver Barracks. Rei)ort conunanding general to 
transport at once sup]ilies San Francisco, if required. Carry out instructions of coni- 
nianiling general, and keep this Department advised. 

Taylor, 
Assista at Secretary. 

No. 11. 

Treasury Department, Waf^Jimgton, D. C. 
Captain Hamlet, 

Rerenue Cutter Cheth, Oakland, Cal.: 
Direct all officers and men and McCullough, Hartley, and Golden Gate to assist 
C4eneral Funston in every respect. You are directed to take charge revenue-cutter 
forces. Keep this Department advised. This telegram authority. 

Taylor, As-ttstant Secretary. 

No. 12. 

San Francisco, Cal., April 19, 1906. 
Military Secretary, Tro.s7((/(.r/^o«, D. C: 

Your four dispatches received. Have already filed several for you. Impossible 
now to inform you as to full extent of disaster. City practically destroyed. Troops 
have been aiding police patrolling and maintaining order. ^Martial law has not been 
declared. Working in conjunctidii with civil authorities. Have not interferred with 
sending of any dispatches. You can not send too many tents fir rations. About 
200,000 people homeless. Food very scarce. Provision houses all destroyed. All 
(Tovernment buildings in city gone. 



9.11 a. m. 

No. 13. 



FUNSTON. 



Washington, D. C, April 19, 1906. 



General Funston, San Francisco, Cal.: 

Reference your telegram this date, Secretary of War directs me to inform you 
Quartermaster-CTeneral has been directed to forward to San Francisco all available 
canvas now in possession of Army. Connnissary-General has lieen directed to send 
from neai'est shipping points two hundred thousand additional rations. Admiral 
McCalla, ^Slare Island, will be instructed to confer with you and turn over any food 
supplies that can be spared from stores at Mare Island; also to furnish any available 
canvas suitable for making improvised shelter. 

J. F. Bell, Chief of Staff . 

No. 14. 

San Francisco, Cal., April 19, 1906. 
The Military Secretary, Washingto)i, D. ('.: 

Latest report regarding railroad communications as follows: Ferry building and 
wharves to the north of Market street intact and out danger. Ferries running regu- 
larly to Sausalito, Tiburon, and Oakland. Railroad officials have established office 
in ferry l)uilding. Trains now running regularly, via Stockton, to the East and North. 
Report is that regular train service will be kept up. Large number of people leaving 
by ferries. Fire situation progressing same as reported in telegram of 10.30. 

Funston, Commanding. 
4.19 p. m. 



O RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

No. 15. 

Fort Mason, Cal., April 19-20, 1906. 
The Military Secretary, Washington. 

Fire entirely out of control and now at Octavia street. As previously reported, 
practically the whole city will be destroyed. Have ordeied all availaljle troops from 
Vancouver Barracks to report as soon as possible. Conditions as yet are quiet, and 
civil authorities, assisted by the military authorities, are making every po.'-sible effort 
to control the situation, which is fully as well (sic) as could be expected under the 
circumstances. The weather continues fine and for the present no great suffering 
from the cold is anticipated. My telegram to ^Monterey ordering troops up from 
there not delivered. Can you not communicate with them from Washington, and 
order to report as soon as possible? All the cavalry wanted and two battalions of 
infantry, with all available rations. 

FuNSTON, (hmmanding. 

No. 16. 

VVashincwon, April 20, 1906, 
Commanding Officer, Presidio of Monterey, 

Montcrfy, Cctl.: 
Following telegram received from General Funston: 

"My telegram to Monterey, ordering troops up from there, not delivered. Can 
you not communicate with them from Washington, and order to report as soon as 
possible? All the cavalry wanted and two battalions of infantry, with all available 
rations. ' ' 

Has this telegram been received? Answer immediately. 

Ainswohth, Military Secretary. 
No. 17. 

Presidio, Monterey, Cai.., April 20, 1906. 

(Via Salina, Cal.) 
Military Secretary, Washington, D. C: 

Dispatch repeated by you received by naval torjaedo boat this morning; immediate 
action is being taken to comply therewith. 

Garrad, Commanding. 

No. 18. 

San Francisco, Cal., April 19, 1906. 
The Military Secretary, Washinyton, D. C: 

Fire crossed Van Ness avenue to west at 3.30 p. m. Almost certain now that 
entire city will be distroyed. Have ordered troops from Monterey and everything 
is going as well as could be expected. On account of confusion it has been impos- 
sible to locate individuals inquired for, but attention will be given to that matter as 
practicable. 

Funston, Commanding. 

No. 19. 

Oakland, Cal., April 19, 1906. 
Military Secretary, Washington, D. C: 

Burned district now approximately as follows: 

From water front up Broadway to INlason street, thence south to California street, 
thence west to Jones, thence diagonally to Van Ness and Golden Gate avenue. All 
this line now actively l)urning. Fire on following line practically out: 

From Van Ness west on Golden Gate avenue to Fillmore, thence south to Market, 
thence on irregular line to Valencia and Twenty-sixth, thence irregular line east to 
bay. Indications are that active fire line will advance west to Van Ness and north 
to Union and ^Montgomery avenue. About 300,000 peojjle homeless. Everything 
quiet. Troops cooperating with police. Famine seems inevitable. All large supply 
stores burned. Most energetic efforts from outside only can prevent frightful suffer- 
ing. Weather now fine, and it is expected to remain so. I request that everything 
possible be done in the way of food supplies, tentage, and blankets. No more troops 
needed at present. 

Funston, Commanding. 



RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 



No. 20. 



Ferry Slip, Nan Francixro, Cnl., April 19, 1906. 
The Military Secretary, Washmr/ton, I). C: 

Official report at these headquarters this date states that the siibtreasiiry is entirely 
destroyed by tire, with the exception of the vaults, which contain all cash on hand. 
Suitable guards have been ordere<l to protect this money. 

FuN'STON, Commanding. 
8.40 p. m. 

No. 21. 

San Francisco. 
The Western Union and Southern Pacitie buildings totally destroyed. The fire is 
burning rapidly in a diagonal line up the hill, commencing at McAllister and ending 
at Battery street, and on Mission street as far as Sixteenth street. The water supply 
has given out, the wind rising, and the military authorities have just forbidden any 
one to enter the city; they have all they can handle without admitting any more. 
Situation has not improved, and already there is great suffering for food and water. 
I saw a line of thousands of people lined up in a park awaiting soldiers to distribute 
water. 

No. 22. 

Presidio of San Francisco, Cal., 19. 
Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C: 

Answering yours, am issuing 3,000 common wall tents in store at Presidio store- 
houses; also 1,000 buckets, 1,000 blankets. Will continue i-ssue until stock exhausted. 
Lack of water very serious. Can probably take care of tentage as fast as it arrives. 
No stoves needed. Owing to blowing cinders, wareliouses in some danger at Presidio. 
All storehouses in city totally destroyed with contents except storage of officers' 
effects. Dock and all transports uninjured. Have moved records and office to 
Presidio. 

Devol, (^aartermader. 
No. 23. 

Fort Mason, Cal., April 19, 1906. 
The Military Secretary, Wa.'^hiityfoii, D. C: 

In answer to telegram Secretary of War to-day, regarding water supply, will say 
present indications are that sufficient supply will be on hand for drinking and cook- 
ing. Further information not yet on hand. Will wire as early as possible more 
definite information. Large springs at Labos Creek, Presidio, and lakes of fresh 
water at Golden CTate Park; also consideraljle supplj' by pipe line now reported. 

FuNSTON, Commaniling. 
No. 24. 

Fort Mason, Cal., April 20, 1906. 
The Military Secretary, Wn.'^Ji/i/igtori, I>. C: 

Fire situation at 7 o'clock this morning better. The fire has been stopped practi- 
cally at Franklin street. Hose now being stretched from Franklin and Broadway 
toward Russian Hill, al>out Union and Leavenworth, and from there irregularly 
toward Telegraph Hill. It is hoped to stop the tire on that line; south of Market 
fire has passed to west of Dolores street, but north of Market entire line under con- 
trol from about Fillmore and Market on irregular line to Van Ness and Broadway. 
That region of city west of this line and north of Market will probably be saved. 
Weather continues fine. 

Supplies arriving; situation appears a little better than was anticipated at mid- 
night; will keep you advised of progress. 

Funston, Commanding. 
No. 25. 

San Francisco, Cal., April 20, 1906. 

Military Secretary, Waakinglon, D. C: 
9 a. m. Reference to water supply can now report as follows: 
Springvalley water people state that they will be able to deliver to th<i city to-day 

by pipe line 10,000,000 gallons of water. "This, together with Lal)os Cieek and the 



10 RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

Golden Gate Park system, which is a separate system, will supply all people in the 
two large concentration camps located as follows: One between Fort Mason and 
the Presidio, including both posts, and one in Golden Gate Park; a third large i;on- 
centration camp is located south of the Protrero in the hills. 

No pipe line reach the latter, but energetic arrangements are progressing to supply 
this camp by wagon and boat. No water famine is anticipated. The fire is getting 
under better control as reported in telegram of 7 a. m. this morning. Fire is not 
getting west of Franklin; still being held in check on line from Pacific avenue across 
Eussian Hill to Telegraph Hill; fire boats assisting in pumping from the bay. 

FcxsTON, Cortnn<(ii<Kii(). 
No. 26. 

Vancouver Barracks, Wash., April, 20, 1906. 
Military Secretary, 

War Department, Washington, I). <'.: 
Special train 17 cars left Portknd 10 p. m., 19th instant, with 200,000 rations and 
477 tents, in charge Lieutenant Kobes, Fourteenth Infantry. Expect arrive San 
Francisco early Saturday morning. 

Williams, 
Brigadier- General, Commanding. 

No. 27. 

Headquarters Department of California, 
Fort;^ Mason, San Francisco, Cut, April 30, 1906. 
The Military Secretary, Washington, D. C: 

At this hour, 8.30 ]j. m., a hard and probably successful fight is being made to save 
western part of city. Fort Mason, where army headquarters have been established, 
may go, but we will know in an hour. Supplies arriving and are being distributed 
to homeless people camped in parks, military reservations, and vacant spaces. 
Troops, police, and firemen almost exhausted by three days' terrible work. Conduct 
of people in general has been admiral^le, though in some cases looters have been 
shot. Admiral Goodrich has landed all available men from fleet and placed under 
my orders. Seventy cavalry, under Major Benson, guarding ruins of lianks, where 
there are many miilions in vaults. Impossible as yet to learn of individuals for 
whom you incjuired. Most casualties were in poorer districts, south of Market street. 
Not many killed in better portions of city. 

Funston, Cornmanding. 

The following was received after the report had been completed at 6 o'clock a. m., 
April 21: 

Naval Training Station, 
San Francisco, Cat., April 20, 1906. 
Military Secretary, Washington, D. C. : 

Fire is making no progress to the west from \^an Ness avenue. West wind of con- 
siderable force now beginning. Indications now that all that part of the city south 
of Van Ness avenue and north of the bay will be desti-oyed. Some considerable 
apprehension is felt as to the post of Fort Mason, but it is believed that we can save it. 
Weather continues fine and warm; practically no suffering from the cold. It will be 
impossible to at once establish proper sanitary conditions; much sickness must 
necessarily be expected. If the city to the west now standing remains intact, there 
are many good buildings that can ])e used as hospitals. The water supj)ly is 
encouraging. The Spring Valley water jteople believe they can deliver from ten to 
twelve million gallons daily. This, with other sources not mentioned, will prevent 
water famine. 

FuNSTON, Commanding. 

Fort Mason, 
San Francisco, Cal. , April 20. 
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C: 

At this hour, 11 p. in., remainder of residence section known as Western Addition 
seems out of danger. Fire still bad on water front. Pwery effort being made to save 
wharves. Foil Mason safe. 

Funston, Commanding. 



relief fok san francisco. 11 

War Department, 
Office of the Quartermaster-Cjeneral, 

Wa><hi)mt<ni, April W, 1906. 

Sir: Early on the niorMiiif^- of the lyth instant the undersigned was 
called for consultation with the Chief of Staff, to take inniiediate steps 
for the relief of sutferers b}' the earthquake and I'esultino- tires at San 
Francisco, and orders were then and there given to the conniianding 
generals of the Departments to ship by express to the depot quarter- 
master, San Francisco, Cal., all wall, conical, and hospital tents, com- 
plete, that were at Forts Vancouver, Snelling, Sheridan, D. A. Russell, 
Sam Houston, Monterey, Logan, and Douglas, and also to the depot 
quartermaster at Philadelphia to ship by express at once to the depot 
quarternjaster, San Francisco, tentage, complete, with stores, etc., 
sufficient to accommodate 20,000 men as called for by Geiieral Funston. 

The tire having increased, General Funston called for increased sup- 
plies, and later in the day the amount of tentage was increased to 
include 100,000 men by calling upon the depot quartermasters at Chi- 
cago, Omaha, St. Louis, Jeti'ersonville, and Boston, in addition to 
Philadelphia, and in the evening there were ordered ])lankets, pillows, 
cots, bed sacks, etc., to the extent of the supply not in the hands of 
troops. These were all dispatched by express trains, each accompanied 
by an officer or quartermaster's agent, and the last of these supplies 
were on the road by the evening of this day, that ordered yesterday 
morning- having all been en route before or during the night. These 
were all consigned to the depot quartermaster, San Francisco, to be 
distributed under the direction of the commanding general, and it is 
not to be presumed that more than is necessary will be used by him. 

Exhibit A, herewith, shows in detail the number, kind, and cost of 
tents, ])lankets, cots, etc., supplied by each depot, and it is estimated 
that the cost of transportation by express for this large amount, with 
incidental expenses that may and probably will arise, and also the like 
cost for commissary and medical supplies, will approximate §150,000. 
In every case the quartermasters and other officers involved have 
acknowledged the receipt of the orders for shipment and have either 
stated that the supplies wei-e en route or would be to-night, April 20. 
Railroads are cooperating with the Department in expediting the ship- 
ment of this property, having given the supply trains right of way over 
all passenger or othertrains. Thisofficeisinreceiptof a telegramfrom 
Governor Mead, of Washington, stating that he had between '-iOO and 
400 tents available which he could ship to San Francisco. Request 
has been sent to him that he ship these tents, consigned to the depot 
quartermaster, San Francisco, by first steamer. Also, a telegram 
from Governor Mickey, of Nebraska, asking permission to ship tents 
and blankets in the hands of the Nebraska National Guard to San 
Francisco for relief of sufferers. Request was sent to the governor to 
consign tents and blankets to depot quartermaster, San Francisco. 
The Union Pacific Railroad had agreed to rush shipment through free 
of cost. The cost of tentage, etc., sent by the two governors is not 
included in this estimate. 

Very respectfully, C. F. Humphrey, 

Qnarter hi aster- General., U. S. Army. 

The Secretary of War. 



12 



RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 






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KELIKF FOR SAN FKANCIHCO. 15 

[Mi'inoranduni for the Cliicl' of SlalT. 1 

War Dki'autment, 
Office of the QrARTEUMASTFK-GENKiJAr., 

WdsJihujton, April .in, lUiHj. 

I send herewith ofHcial copies of tch'^rains sent and received i-ela- 
tive to shipment of quartermaster's siip[)lies from various depots to 
San Francisco, in pursuance to your instructions. 

As stated in my memorandum of y(>sterday, tlie conunandino- gen- 
erals and all the departments involved have been instructed to have 
all wall tents, conical wall tents, and hospital tents, at the following- 
posts sent to San Fi'aiicisco at once l\v express: Vancouver liarracks, 
Foi't Logan, Fort Sam Houston, Fort Snelling, Fort Riley, Fort Doug- 
las, Fort 1). A. Russell, Presidio of Monterey, Fort Sheridan, Fort 
Leavenworth. 

Li ever}' case the quartermasters and other otiicers involved have 
acknowledged receipt of the orders for shipment, and have either 
stated that the supplies had left or would l)e shipped within a few 
hours. As a matter of fact, most of it is on its way to San Francisco 
at the present time, by express. 

Railroads are cooperating with the departments in expediting the 
shipment of this property, having given the supply trains right of way 
over all passengei' and other trains. Instructions have just l)een sent 
to the depot quartermaster, St. Louis, to ship r»y expiess all common, 
conical, and hospital tents with necessary poles, tripods, etc.. on hand 
at that depot, from those set aside for relief of Hood sutierei's, to San 
Francisco. 

This OfKce is in receipt of a telegram from (xovernor Mead, of Wash- 
ington, stating that he had l)etween 800 and contents available, which 
he could ship to San Francisco. Request has been sent to Governor 
Mead that he ship these tents, consigned to depot (juartermaster, San 
Francisco, ])y first steamer. 

Respectfully sul)mitted. 

C. F. Humphrey, 
QiiarteriiKister Oeneral^^ U. S. Arnuj. 



TELEGRAMS SENT. 

Washington, D. C, Ajyril 19, 1906. 
Commanding General Department of California, 

San Francisco, Cal.: 
Ship by express to depot (jiiartermaster, Sau Francisco, all wall, conical, and hos- 
pital tents, complete, that are now at IMonterey. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

Humphrey, Quartermaster-General. 

Washington, I). C, Aiiril 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, San Francisco: 

Telegraphic instructions given to commanding general Department of Missouri 
and commanding general Department Colorado to ship by express to depot quar- 
termaster, San Francisco, all wall, conical, and hospital tents, complete, at Forts 
Douglas, Logan, Leavenworth, and' Riley. 

Humphrey, (^uarter)naster- General. 



16 RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

Washington, D. C, April 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, San Francisco: 

Following tentage ordered to you: From Philadelphia, 3,425 conical tents, with poles 
and tripods, and 10,169 joints pipe. From (Jmaha, 5,297 joints pipe and 3,500stove8. 
From Chicago, 170,000 tent pins. From St. Louis, 1,824 joints pipe. 

Humphrey, (iaartermaster-General. 

Washington, I). C, April 19, 19(16. 
Commanding General, Department of California, 

San Francisco: 
Am shipping blankets, mattresses, Vjed sacks, and additional tentage, which, with 
that ordered this morning, should accommodate 100,000 people. Can you use 
paulins? 

Humphrey, Quartermaster- General. 

Washington, D. C, April 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, San Francisco: 

In addition to tentage ordered to you fiom Philadelphia, Omaha, Chicago, St. Louis, 
and Forts Douglas, Logan, Leavenworth, and Riley, as advised in my two dispatches 
this morning, following additional tentage will be sent you by express: From Jeffer- 
sonville, 271 common tents, drab; 373 common tents, white; 6 hospital tents, drab; 
2 hospital tents, khaki; 7,000 small tent pins; 12 hospital tent flies, white. From 
Philadelphia, 26 storage tent flies, 312 sets storage tent poles, 13 hospital tent flies, 
drab. From Omaha, 24 hosiiital tent flies, khaki. From Chicago, 312 storage tents. 
From St. Louis, 29 storage tents, 31 hospital tents, drab; 138 hospital tents, khaki; 
11 white common tents, 231 drab common tents, 19,000 large and 32,000 small tent 
pins, 4 drab hospital tent flies, 124 hospital tent flies, khaki; 200 sets hospital tent 
poles, 900 sets connnon tent poles. From New York, 211 storage tent flies. 

Humphrey, (Quartermaster- General. 

Washington, .l])ril 19, 1906. 
General Funston, San Francisco: 

Have ordered Capt. Jesse M. Baker to accompany train load of rations and tentage 
to 'Frisco and report in person to you. He has had large experience in distribution 
of supplies, Johnstown flood, and think he will be useful for you. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

H UMPHREY, Quartermaster- General. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, Fliiladel])Jria: 

Ship by express at once to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, following tentage: 
One thousand nine hundred ninety-three common drab; 499 conical improved khaki, 
with poles; 13 regulation conical white, with poles; 124 hospital regulation drab; 873 
hospital regulation, khaki; 61 hospital flies, drab; 936 hospital flies, khaki; 34 improved 
hospital tents khaki, with poles; 25 improved hospital flies, khaki; 23 storage tents; 23 
sets storage-tent poles; 6 regulation wall, drab, with poles; 2,455 regulation wall tents 
khaki, witli poles; 304 regulation wall flies, dral); 2,157 regulation wall flies, khaki; 
1,760 imjiroved wall tents with poles; 1,760 wall flies; 329 .sets conical tent poles, 
extra; 23,400 tent pins, large; 19,600 tent pins, small; 512 tent stoves; 4,310 joints 
stovepipe. Also 18,777 olive-drab blankets, 8,174 Hght-weight blankets, 7,478 mat- 
tresses, 11,400 bed sacks, 4,029 mattress covers. Acknowledge receipt. Report when 
shipment complete. Follow through by wire, and report arrival. 

Humphrey, Quartermaster-General. 

Washington, Apiil 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, Philadelphia, Fa.: 

Ship by express at once to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 3,425 regulation 
conical tents, complete. Acknowledge receipt. Report when shipment complete. 

H UMPHREY, Qu ariermaster- General. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, FhilaJelphia: 

Ship by express at once to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, all Gold Medal cots 
on hand at your depot. Acknowledge recept. Report number shipped and when 
shipment completed. Follow tlirough by wire and report arrival. 

H UMPHREY, Quarter master-Gerieral. 



KELIKK FOR SAN FKANCISCO. 17 

\Vas[tiN(;ton, A/>rl/ 19, 190'!. 
OEPtrr QiAHTEUMAsi'iCK, J'liilad(i/)lii<i, Pa.: 

Kefeivnt'e teli'i;rani this iiu)riiiii,i;. Scud no tent pins and no stoves, l)nt ship 
10, IH!) joints pipe to San Francisco. All pins will t^o from ("hicajio, and all stoves 
and remainder of stovepipe from other depots. Follow thronjj;h by wire and report 
arrival. 

Ilf.Mi'HKKV, (Jniirti'riiiaxtt'r-aciicriiL 

Wasiiinoton, Ajn-il 19, 190<!. 
J)ki>ot Quartermaster, P]iiliidelj)liia: 

Two messages sent yon regarding tentage. Matter thoroughly nnderstood in this 
othce. Carry ont yoni' orders with all dispatch. 

H I'.M I'HRKY, (jatirtcriiKi^lcr-deneraL 

\VASHl.\-(iTON, Ai)nl J9, 1906. 
II. K. Holler, P}iU<iilel))Jua, Pa.: 

. All emergencv shipments for San Francisco ai'e by e.xpress. Reference your tele- 
gram imh. 

HrMPHKEY, (Jim rtirwnstiT-f lem'ral. 

Washinoton, April 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, Pliihidi'lphiu: 

Ship by express at once to the depot quartermaster, Ban Francisco, in addtition to 
tentage ordered this morning, 26 storage-tent fiiea, 312 sets storage-tent poles; 13 hos- 
jiital-tent flies, dral). Acknowledge receipt. Report when shipment complete. 
Follow through by wire and report arrival. 

Humphrey, (Jn<irtrrniaxter-(>niernl. 

WASHiNciTON, April 19, 1906. 
Colonel Pope, 

Depot Qniirtermnster, Pliiludi'lpliia, P<(.: 
Please ascertain and let me know if supplies ordered from yi^ur depot to San Fran- 
cisco will be sent out in solid train; and if not, in what manner they will be sent. 

H UMPHREY, Quarter master-General. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, *S'/. Louis: 

Ship by express at once to the depot (juartermaster, San Francisco, 29 storage 
tents; 31 hospital tents, drab; 138 hospital tents, khaki; 11 white common tents; 
231 drab conniion tents; 19,000 large and 32,000 small tent pins; 4 hospital-tent flies, 
drab; 12-1 hospital-tent flies, khaki; 200 sets hospital-tent poles; 900 sets common 
tentpoles. Acknowledge receipt. Report when shipment complete. FoUowthrough 
by wire and report arrival. 

C. F. Humphrey, Quartermasier-(reiieral. 

Washin(;ton, April 19, 1906. 
Depot Quarter.vlvster, St. Louis: 

Ship by express at once to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 2 common tents, 
khaki, with poles; 23 storage tent flies; 1,993 sets common tent poles; 1,293 sets hos- 
pital poles; 21 sets conical wall tent poles; 31 hospital tents, drab; 138 hospital tents, 
khaki; 34 Munsons' hospital tents; 11 Munsons' hospital flies; 350 tent stoves; 612 
light-weight blankets; 4,800 mattresses; 983 bed sacks; 4,926 mattress covers. 
Acknowledge recei})t. Report when shipment complete. Follow through by wire 
and rejiort arrival. 

H UM PHREY, QiiarterDuister- General. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, (SV. Louis: 

Ship bj' express at once to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, all gold-medal cots 
on hand at your depot. Acknowledge receipt. Report number shipped and when 
shipment completed. Follow through by wire and report arrival. 

Humphrey, Quartermaster-ileneral. 
H. Doc. 714, 59-1 -2 



18 RPZLIKF FOR SAN FKAXCISCO. 

Washin(;tox, April 19, Utna. 
Depot Qlwrtek.mastkk, St. Louix: 

Ship by express at oiic-e to depot quartermaster, San FraiK'i.>j(0, 1,S24 joints stove- 
pipe. Acknowledge receipt. Report when shipment complete. Follow through by 
wire and report arrival. 

Humphrey, (^uiirteriiiuster-aein'i-al. 

WASHiN(iToN, April 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, Ji'ffcrsoirviUe: 

Ship by express at once to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 68 sets wall-tent 
poles; 9 regulation conical tents, tlrab; 5 regulation conical, khaki; 7 regulation coni- 
cal, white; 6 regulation hospital, drab; 2 regulation hospital, khaki; 2o regulation hos- 
pital, white; 2 regulation wall, khaki; 2 regulation wall files, drab; 4,086 tent pins, 
large; 22,462 tent pins, small; 60,557 light-weight blankets; 47 mattresses; 1,426 beil 
sacks. Acknowledge receipt. Report when shipment complete. Follow through 
by wire and report arrival. 

Humphrey, (^uartennaxter-d'eiieral. 

Washin(;tox, April 19, 1900. 
Depot Quarter.mastek, Jcferxonril.lf: 

Ship by exjiress at once to the depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 271 common 
tents, drab; 373 common tents, white; 6 hospital tents, drab; 2 hospital tents, khaki; 
7,000 small tent pins; 12 hospital tent files, white. Acknowledge I'eceipt. Re])ort 
when shipment complete. Follow through by wire and report arrival. 

C. F. Humphrey, (^n(irter)ivii<ter-(Tener<(L 

WashiX(;tox, Apr 1 19. 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, New York: 

Ship by express at once to depot (luartermaster, San Francisco, 22 improved coni- 
cal tents, white; 307 regulation conical tents, khaki; 125 hospital regulation tents, 
khaki; 2 hospital regulation tents, white; 13,35H mattress covers. Acknowledge 
receipt. Report when shipment complete. Follow through liy wire and re|X)rt 
arrival. * 

Humphrey, (jmiiiertnader-Gem'nd. 

Washington, April 19, 19<i(!. 
Depot Quartermaster, New York: 

Ship by express at once to the depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 211 storage-tent 
Hies. Acknowledge receipt. Report when shipment complete. Follow by wire 
and report airival. 

Humphrey, (Juarferituisfer-Gerieral. 

Washixcston, A/iril 19, 190'). 
Commaxdixg Uexeral Department Lakes, 

Chic<igo, III.: 
Ship by express to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, all wall, conical, and hos- 
pital tents complete that are now at Fort Sheridan. Send competent officer with 
shipment to see to prompt delivery at San Francisco. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

Humphrey, (JiKirU'nnader-Geiieral. 

Washington. Apiil 19, 190'!. 
CiiiEF Quarter.m ASTER, L'lticro/o: 

Ship by exj>ress at once to the depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 312 storage 
tents. Acki)owledge receipt. Report when shipment complete. Follow through 
by wire and report arrival. 

Humphrey, Qii(irteriiia.<<ter-Gem'riil. 

\Vashix(;ton, April 19, 1900. 
CiUEP (Quartermaster, Cliicaiju: 

Ship by express at once to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 170,000 small tent 
pins and 500 joints stovepipe. Acknowledge receipt. Report when shipment coui- 
plete. Follow through by wire and rep(.>rt arrival. 

Humphrey, Qitartynnai^ter- General. 



KKLIKF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 19 

Washington, Ajiril 19, 1906. 

Commanding CiKNEKAi,, Dior aktmeni' of tiik Lakes, 

Cliic(((/(i, III.: 

Reference your telegram this afternoon, Secretary War directs \-ou send l)y Cap- 
tain Hutton the 312 storage tents referred to by you. 

McCain, MHItarij Secretary. 

Note.— Copy made from original tiletl by Colonel McCain in telegraph office at 9.50 
p. m., April l(), ]90(). Tiiree liundred and twelve storage tents had already been 
ordered shipped, being in the Chicago depot. 

Washington. April 19, 1906. 

Commanding General, Department Missouri, 

Omaha, Nehr.: 

Ship bv express to depot <iuartcriiiaster, San Francisco, all wall, conical, and hos- 
pital tents, complete, that are now at Fort D. A. Kiissell. Send competent officer 
with ship to see to prompt dehvery at San Franci-sco. 

By order of the Secretary of War: 

Humphrey, (Jii(irti'riiia.ster-(ieneral. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 

CoMMANDiN(; General, Department Missouri, 

Omaha, i\ehr.: 
Ship by express to depot (|nartermaster, San Francisco, all wall, conical, and hos- 
pital tents, complete, at Forts Leavenworth and Riley. Send competent officers with 
shipment to see that prompt delivery is made at San Francisco. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

Humphrey, (jiuirtermaxler-iieneral. 

I Washington, April 19, 1906. 

Chief Quartermaster, OmaJia: 

Ship by express at once to the depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 24 hospital 
tent flies,' khaki. Acknowledge receipt. Report when shipment complete. Follow 
through by wire and report arrival. 

Humphrey, (Jiiarli:rmadi'r-(TeneraL 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Chief Quartermaster, Omalia, Nehr.: 

Ship by express to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 3,500 conical tent stoves 
and 5,297 joints stovepipe. Follow through by wire and report arrival. 

Humphrey, Quarter master- General. 

Washington, .l/>r/7 19, 1906. 
Chief Quartermaster, Omaha: 

Ship by express at once to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 849 wall tent pins, 
51 mattresses, 283 bed sacks. Acknowledge receipt. Report when shipment com- 
plete. Follow through by wire and report arrival. 

Humphrey, Quartermaster- (ieneral. 

Washincjton, April 19, 1906. 
Commanding General, Department of Colorado, 

Denver, Colo. : 
Ship by express to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, all wall, conical, and hos- 
pital tents complete at Forts Douglas and Logan. Send competent officers with ship- 
ment to see that prompt delivery is made at San Francisco. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

Humphrey, Quarter maxter-i.reneral. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Commanding General, Department of Texas, 

San Antonio, Tex.: 
Ship by express to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, all wall, conical, and hos- 
pital tents complete that are now at Fort Sam Houston. Send competent officer 
with shipment to see to prompt delivery at San Francisco. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

Humphrey, Qnarterinaxter-General. 



20 RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

Washington, Ajiril 19, 1906. 
Commanding Gkneral, Department ok Dakota, 

St. Paul, Minn.: 
Ship by express to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, all wall, conical, and hospital 
tents complete that are now at Fort Snelling. Send (■ompetent othcer with shipment 
to see to prompt delivery at San Francisco. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

Humphrey, Quartermaster-General. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Commanding (teneral. Department ok Columbia, 

Vaiiconrer Barracks, Wai^Jt.: 
Ship by express to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, all wall, conical, and hospital 
tents complete now at Vancouver. Acknowledge receipt. Send competent officer 
with shipment to see to prompt delivery at San Francisco. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

H UM I'H KEY, Quartermaster- General. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, Boston: 

Ship by express at once to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 6,567 olive drab 
blankets and 213 mattresses. Acknowledge receipt. Report when shipment com- 
plete. Follow through by wire and report arrival. 

Humphrey, Quartennaster-General. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Capt. Jesse M. Baker, Portlanii, Oreij.: 

(jro with train to San Francisco and report to (General Funston, who has been 
advised. Will secure orders to-morrow. By order of the Secretary of War. 

Humphrey, Quartermaster- General. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Governor ok Nebraska, Lincoln, Nehr.: 

By authority of Secretary of War, you will ship by express to the depot quarter- 
master at San Francisco all tents and blankets now in liands of Nebraska National 
Guard. 

C. F. Humphrey, Quartermaster-General. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
Gen. F. D. Grant, 

Commandin'!, Gorernors Island, N. Y.: 
Your telegram to Military Secretary referred to me. Have shipped from general 
depots and larger posts in the West tentage for 100,000 people. Will of course draw 
on New York if more tentage is required after having taken what can be supplied 
from other jioints. Much of the tentage above referred to is now en route to San 
Francisco. 

Humphrey, Quartermaster-General. 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 

Commandin(;-General, Department Calipoknia, 

San Francisco, Cal.: 
Am sending by express to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, from Jeffersonville 
depot 50 paulins, 18 by 30, and 300 paulins, 12 by 16; from New York depot 600 
paulins, 18 by 30, and 300 paulins, 12 by 16. 

C. F. Humphrey, Quartermaster-General. 

Washington, April 20, 1906. 
Chief Quartermaster, Department California, 

San Francisco: 
Wire number of each kind of tents and parts thereof shipped from INIonterey to 
depot quartermaster, San Francisco, under instructions of 19th instant. 

Humphrey, Quartermaster-General. 



RELIEF FOR, SAN FRANCISCO. 21 

Washington, April :iO, 1906. 
Depot (,2iartek.ma.ster, San Fv<(ucisco: 

Governor of Nebraska has shipped to yon l)y ex))ress all tents and blankets now 
in hands of Nebraska National (xnard. 

H UMPHKEY, Quartcrmastcr-d'oieiril. 

Washinoton, April 20, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, Sun Francisco: 

Governor of Washington will ship to yon by steamer between three and four hun- 
dred tents. Humphrey, (Quarter inaMer- General. 

Washington, . Ipn7 20, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, Pliilndclpliia: 

The tentage received into stock April I, and referred to in your telej^honic message 
just received, will not be shipped to San Francisco for the present. 

('. F. Humphrey, Qunrterniaster-d'eneral. 

WASHiN(iTON, April 20, 1900. 
Depot Quartermaster, Philadclphiu, Pa.: 

All tentage of Army now en route to San Francisco. Conti'actors have l)een urged 
to hasten (leliveries of duck. Report what material you have on hand and how 
many tentmakers at work. Push manufacture of tents. What tents due to be 
manufactured on authorizations already given. 

Humphrey, Qiarrti'vinattter-Geiieral. 

Washington, April 20, 1906, 
Depot Quartermaster, *S'/. Louis: 

Ship by express, at once, to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, all white common; 
drab, khaki, and white conical; dral), khaki, and wliite hospital tents and tlies, with 
necessarv poles and tripods, to be taken from those set aside for issue to flood suf- 
ferers. Send all such as are serviceable and tit for use. Acknowledge receipt. Fol- 
low through by wire and report arrival. Report number of each kind shipped and 
when shipment is complete. 

Humphrey, (lua rlcrmader-General . 

Washington, April 20, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, Jetf'ersonvilh' , Ind.: 

Ship by express, immediately, to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 50 paulins, 18 
by 30, and oOO paulins, 12 by 16. Acknowledge receipt. Report shipment by wire. 

C. F. Humphrey, QnartermaMer-General. 

AVashington, April 20, 1906. 
Depot Quartermaster, New York: 

Ship by express, immediately, to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, 600 paulins, 
18 by 30, and 300 paulins, 12 Ijy 16. Acknowledge receipt. Re{)ort shipment by wire. 

C. F. Humphrey, QvartermaMer-General. 

Washington, April 20, 1906. 
Chief Quartermaster, Department Lakes, Ghirago: 

Wire number of each kind of tents and parts thereof shipjjed from Fort Sheridan 
to the depot quartermaster, San Francisco, under instructions of the 19th instant. 

C. F. Humphrey, Qitarterniasfer-Genrral. 

Washington, April 20, 1906. 
Chief Quartermaster, Chicago: 

Reference your telegram this date, ship no further storage tents to San Francisco 
in addition to the 312 ordered sent l)y this office on the 19th instant until further 
advised. 

C. F. Humphrey, (/uarterniaMer-Geiwral. 



22 RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

Washington, April 20, 1906. 
Chief Quartermaster, Department of Missouri, 

Omaha, Nehr.: 
Wire number of each kind of tents and parts thereof shipped from Forts Russell, 
Leavenworth, and Riley to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, under instructions 
of 19th instant, specifying quantity sent from each of the posts named. 

Humphrey, Quartennaster- General. 

Washington, Ajml 20, 1906. 
Chief Quartermaster, Department of Colorado, 

Denver: 
Wire number of each kind of tents and parts thereof shipped from Forts Douglas 
and Logan to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, under instructions of the 19th 
instant, specifying quantity sent from each of the posts named. 

C. F. Humphrey, Quarterinaster-General. 

WashiN(;ton, April 20, 1906. 
Chief Quartermaster, Department of Texas, 

San Antonio, Tex.: 
Wire number of each kind of tents and parts thereof 8hi])ped from Fort Sam 
Houston to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, under instructions of 19th instant. 

Humphrey , Quartermaster- General. 

Washington, D. C, April W, 1906. 
Chief Quartermaster, Department Columbia, 

Vancouver Barraclcx, Wash. : 
Wire number of each kind of tents and parts thereof shipped from Vancouver 
Barracks under instructions of 19th instant. 

C. F. Humphrey, Quarter mast er-General. 

Washington, April 20, 1906. 
Governor of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebr.: 

Wire number of each kind of tent and parts thereof, and blankets shipped by you 
to depot quartermaster, San Francisco, under authority 19th instant. 

Humphrey, Quartermaster- General. 

Washington, April 20, 1906. 
Governor Mead, Olympia, Wash.: 

Referencfe your telegram 19th instant, ship all available tents by steamer, consigned 
to depot quartermaster, San Francisco. Please wire number and kind transferred. 

Humphrey, Quartermaster-General. 

TELEGRAMS RECEIVED. 

San Francisco, Cal., April 18, 1906. 
Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C: 

Terrible earthquake at 5.15 this morning. Buildings on tire all over lower part 
of city. No water. Mission street quartermaster and commissary depots burned to 
the ground. Office building and storehouse, ;^6 Montgomery street, now on fire; 
small hope of saving. No fire at vlock; pulled Buford out in stream. Saved most of 
records and sent to Presidio. 

Devol, < Quartermaster. 
10.15 a. m. 

Philadelphia, Pa., April 19, 1906. 
Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C: 

Telegram received. Am sending tent stovepipe by express, as it is understood 
that it is to go with the tents. 

Pope, Depot Quartermaster. 
2.09 p. 111. 



RELIEF BOK SAN FKANCTSCO. 23 

CniCAco, Ii,i,., April 19, 1906. 

QrARTEKMASTEK-GKNKHAI;, ]Vas]li)H/toi) , 1). C: 

Union and Sontliern Pacitic officials report trains runninij; to Oakland. Santa Fe 
officials report trains runninfi to Point Riclimond, Cal., and that slips on San Fran- 
cisco side are all burned down, making it impracticable for ferryboats to land. They 
state they ai'e [nittiuiz l)arfres on the )-oute for transfer of freight and passengers. 

Robinson, Chief Qiutrtermaster. 

2.'.V2 p. ni. 

St. J.ouis, Mo., Ajirll 19, 1906. 
Qi'ARTRRM aster-General, Wadiingtou: 

Telegram this date directing shipment stovepipe to San Frant'isco received. Ship- 
ments complete, goes forward to-night. 

Von Schrader, (^nartcrinaxter. 
2.36 p. m. 

Omaha, Nebr., April 19, 1906. 

QUARTERMASTEU-CiENEKAL, ]Vnshi)){lton, D. C: 

Southern Pacitic Railroad reports to Union Pacitic officials here that their line is 
open for l)usiness to Oakland, Gal. Ferry between there and San Francisco doing 
only a limited business; no report from line between Oakland antl San Francisco, 
but line understood to l)e l)adly embarrassed. Reference your telegram this date. 

Zalinski, Chief (Junrterniaiiter. 
4.41 p. m. 

Governors Island, X. Y., Ajjril 19, 1906. 
The -Militarv Secretary, 

War Department, Washington, D. C: 
Referring to the calamity in San Francisco, there is on hand in this dei)artment, 
ready for immediate shipment in case desired 1,257 common tents, 1,001 conical 
tents, 577 wall tents, 1H2 hospital tents, 5,432 cots, and 1,060 tent stoves. 

F. D. (jRANT, Coinnmnding. 
4.47 p. m. 

New York, A/iril 19, 1906. 
QiARTERM aster-General, WasJiingtun: 

Telegram directing express shipment to San Francisco 21 1 storage-tent Hies received. 
All will go by Wells- Fargo express 8. .30 to-night. 

Miller, Depot Quartermaster. 
5.17 p. m. 

Chicago, III., A]>ril 19, 1906. 
Quartermaster-( General, WasJdngton, D. C: 

Acknowledging receipt of your two telegrams to-day relative to storage tents, tent 
pins, and stovepipe, entire consignment will be shipped from here this evening and 
early morning to express. Will follow by wire and report delivery. 

Robinson, Chief Quartermaster. 
5.47 p. m. 

St. Louis, Mo., April 19, 1906. 
Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C: 

Your telegram this date, directing shipment certain tentage to San Francisco by 
express, received. 

Von Schrader, ( Quartermaster. 
5.51 p. m. 

St. Louis, Mo., April 19, 1906. 
Quartermaster-General, Wasliington, D. C: 

Stovepipe ordered to San Francisco shipped via Wells-Fargo Express to-night, ref- 
erence your wire this date. 

VoN Schrader, Quartermaster. 
6.04 p. m. 

Philadelphia, Pa., April 19, 1906. 
Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C: 

Reference your telegram this date. Supplies for San Francisco will be sent out in 
two solid trains, one via Adams Express, the other via United States Express. 

Pope. Depot Qnaiiermaster. 
6.3S p. m. 



24 RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

Chicago, III., April 19, 190(1. 
MiijTARY Secretary, Army, 

Wasliington, D. C: 
Captain Hutton, Twenty-seventh Infantry, leaves Fort Sheridan to-morrow night 
for San Francisco, taking 47 wall tents, 144 conical tents, and 17 hospital tents. If 
the 312 storage tents reported to-day available in this city desired, can go same 
shipment. 

Carter, Coiinnaiidirig. 
6.47 p. m. 

Omaha, Nebr., April 19, 1906. 
Quartermaster-General, Wa.^liivgtoii, I). C: 

Shipment conical tent stoves and pipe and hospital tent Hies directed in your tele- 
grams to-day, loaded in three Ijaggage cars, left here 5.20 p. m. by Pacific Express 
running as first section Union Pacific passenger train No. 3. Should reach San 
Francisco Sunday noon. Will follow l)y wire and report arrival to your office as 
soon as known. Depot quartermaster San Francisco notified of this shipment with 
numbers and initials of cars used. ' 

Zalixski, Chief QiKtrtenna.^ter. 

10.50 p. m. 

St. Paul, Mixx., April 19, 1906. 
Military Secrp^tarv, 

War DejKuirnmt, Wi(.'<Iiingtun, D. C: 
Reference telegram this date from Chief of Staff, 101 wall, 86 (-onical, and 63 hos- 
pital tents from Fort Snelling shipped by express at 8.15 p. m. to-day under charge 
Captain Bjornstad, Twenty-eighth Infantry. 

Sweet, ConiinavdiiK/. 
11.43 p. m. 

Philadelphia, Pa., April 19, 1906. 
Quartermaster-Ctexeral, Wdshingtov, I). C: 

All supplies for San Francisco ordered in your telegrams of this date loaded in cars 
at 9 o'clock this evening. Boih express companies state trains will leave by 9.45. 

11.47 p. m. Pope, Depot Quartermaster. 

Buffalo, N. Y., April 19, 1906. 
Hon. W. H. Taft, 

Secretary of War, Washington, D. (\ 
Esteemed Sir: The Enquirer would suggest that the (iovernment at once send to 
the homeless people of stricken San Francisco a suflicient number of army tents to 
temporarily shelter the needy. 

J. L. Nixox, Managing Editor. 

Omaha, Nebr., April r^O, 1906. 
Quartermaster-CIexeral, Washington, I). C: 

Receipt of telegram directing shipment of tent pins, mattresses, and bed sacks to 
depot quartermaster, San Francisco, by express acknowledged. Shipment will go 
forward to-day. 

Zalixski, (Viief Quarlernidster. 
12.42 p. in. 

Presidio of Sax Francisco, Cal., April ^.'O, 1906. 
Quartermaster-Gexeral, Wasliington, D. C: 

Answering yours a. m., issuing 3,000 common wall tents in store at Presidio store- 
house; also 1,000 buckets, 1,000 blankets. Will continue issue until stock exhausted. 
Lack of water very serious. Can possibly take care of tentage as fast as it arrives. 
No stoves needed, owing to blowing cinders. Warehouses in some danger at Pre- 
sidio. All storehouses in city totally destroyed with I'ontents except storage of officers 
effects. Dock and all transports uninjured. Have moved records and office to Pre- 
sidio. 

Devol. 



RELIEF KOR SAN FRANCISCO, 25 

[Meinorandiira for the Chief of Stiill'.] 

\VaI{ DKl'AltTMENT, 

Office of the Commissaky-(tknekal, 

WdKlnngkm, April ?20, 1906. 
Shortly aft(M' 12 o'clock niidiiiuht, Aj^ril 18, a telephone message 
was received from Mr. CarpiMiter to the etiect that a tehi^gram had 
been received from General Funston, stating- that they were in need 
of subsistence supplies for the citizens of San Francisco who had been 
rendered destitute and homeless by the earth(|uake, and that the Sec- 
retary of War directed that rations should be sent. Al)out 1 a. m. of 
the 19th the following telegram was sent: 

Davis, ConDiiismrn, Vanconrer Barracks, ]V(ti<h.: 

■ Purchase 200,000 rations and ship inniiediately to depot commissary, .San Fran- 
cisco, (jreatest nrsijency. Have stores rushed forward witliout delay. .Acknowl- 
edge receipt and state when and how shipment will be made. 

Sharpe, ( 'ommiit^arji-dcncntl. 

At)out 2 a. m. the following telegram was sent to General Funston: 

Funston. San Fraucixco, Od.: 

Secretary War directed commissary, Vancouver Barracks, to forward depot com- 
missary, San Francisco, 200,000 rations. Is railroad open to Portland? 

Sharpe, r'o»*?//mcfry/-^rV//nv//. 

Early on the morning of the l!»th the following telegram was 
received from the depot commissary at San Francisco: 

Commissary-CtENErai., Wd.^liliKj/.oi), I). ('.: 

Depot destroyed by tire. F.verything lost. Local troops supplied. Will wire in 
reference Manila shipments. 

Krauthoff. 

The depot conuuissarv at Denver was telegraphed as follows on the 
19th: 

West, (_'oiiimini«ii-i/, Denrer, Colo.: 

What number of rations can you obtain for immediate delivery in Denver? Can 
you have same shipped expeditiously to San Francisco? If so, l)y what means? 
Answer. 

Sh A rpe, ( 'oniinifisari/- (jeyieral. 

To which he replied: 

Following number rations can be obtained innuediate delivery here: Bacon, 
;300,000; flour, 2,200,000; hard bread, 15,000; bakino; powder, 1,065,000; l^eans, 
746,000; pease, 220,000; rice, ;^, 000, 000; potatoes, 600,000; tomatoes, 984,000; coffee, 
roasted and ground, 8S7. 000; teas, 1,:350, 000; salt, 6,750,000; pepper, 2,640,000; soap, 
8,550,000; candles, l,52fi,000. Same can be shipped exj>editiously by fast fi'eight; 
will reach San Francisco on seventh day from shipment, by express; sixty hours 
passenger service. 

West, Co)ini)lf;mr;/. 

By direction of the Secretary, connnunicated through the Chief of 
Stall', additional shipment of 200, 000 rations was ordered from Port- 
land, as per the following telegram: 

D.wis, Corinnissury, Vdvroaver Barracks, Wasli.: 

Following telegram sent you last night: "Purchase 200,000 rations and ship imme- 
diately to depot commissary, San Francisco. Greatest urgency. Have stores rushed 
forward without delay. Acknowledge receipt and state when and how shipment 
will be made." 



26 RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

Add 200,000 rations to above order. Call on CTeary for any yjortion of these stores 
you require. In connection with this revenue cutter Perry, Captain Tutle, will report 
to department commander transport rations to Frisco unless same can be more expe- 
ditiously forwarded by rail. What additional number of rations can you obtain in 
Portland? Answer. 

Sharpe, (.'o)niiiissari/-General. 

The subjoined is his repl}': 

Received telegram 18th midnight. Am shipping this afternoon 200,000 rations 
special train. Railroad promises to deliver early Saturday morning. Will ship 
200,000 rations, order of 19th, special train to-inorrovv. Can purchase ample supplies 
here, Seattle, and Tacoma, but will have to improvise rations, as some articles can 
not be supplied at short notice. Railroad at present offers more expeditious way of 
sending than revenue cutter. Am gathering, on request of General Funston, all 
rations that can be spared from posts, all to be shipped to-day. 

Davis, CoriDiilssari/. 

And the depot commissary at San Francisco was advised as follows: 

By instructions Secretary of War 400,000 rations ordered shi|)ped you by Davis, 
Vancouver, for issue to destitutes under instructions General Funston. Your wire 
received. 

Sh ARPE, Co)ii til issary- General. 

On the 19th the purchasing commissary at Seattle was teleo-raphed 
as follows: 

What number of rations can you obtain for immediate delivery in Seattle and 
Tacoma? Can you have same ship|ied exjieditiously to San Francisco? If so, by 
what means? Answer. 

Sh ARPE, 0»n III i.'<-mrii- (leneral. 

To which the following reply was received: 

Can supply from here and vicinity 300,000 partial rations immediately. Quick 
transportation assured. If ordered to purchase, recjuest authority to substitute for 
components not furnished. 

( 7 E A R Y , Coiiim /.s'-svY ry . 

At 11 p. m. on the 19th 1 was instructed ))y the Secretary of War 
personally to ship 300,000 rations from Seattle, and sent the following 
telegram : 

Geary, Cominisaary, Seattle, Wadi.: 

Secretary of War directs purchase and immediate shipment of 800,000 partial rations. 
You are authorized to make substitutions. Invoice to depot commis.sary, Frisco. 
Acknowledge and give date shipment and probable date arrival Frisco. 

Sua rpe, Com rn issary- General. 

And the purchasing commissary at Vancouver was advised as 
follows: 

Geary ordered ship .'lOOjOOO rations from Seattle. See that shipment is exjjedited 
from Portland. 

Sharpe, Commissar y-<h'neral. 

And the purchasing commis.saiT at San Francisco as follows: 

Secretary of War directed Geary to purchase 300,000 partial rations in Seattle and 
expedite shipment to you. This in addition to other orders. Notify us of arrival 
of first shipment of rations from Davis. Suggestions from you will be appreciated. 

Sharpe, Commissary- General. 

On the 19th the following memorandum was sent to the Secretary of 
War: 

I have the honor to recommend that General Funston be authorized to send one of 
the connnissary officers on difty in San Francisco to Los Angeles and other surround- 



RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 27 

ing places to purchase sucli snpplieH as may be needed for destitutes, not to exceed 
in quantity 200,000 rations. Tliis in addition to the 400,000 rations already ordered 
from Portland. 

Henky G. Sharpe, Commissary- (ienend. 

On the li)th the purchasing- commi.ssaiT at San Francisco was advised 
as follows: 

Some supplies at Mare Island which can be obtained from Navy if required on 
transfer settlement. Secretary War approved recommendation commissary otficer be 
sent to Los Angeles and surrounding country purchase suiiplies for destitutes not 
exceeding 200,000 rations in amount. These supplies to be paid for out of special 
appropriation made by Congress, designation to be furnished you later. 

Sharpe, Com m issary- General. 

The following- telegrams were received from the purchasing com- 
missary at San Francisco: 

Stores due for INIanila June 1 to July 5, can not be shipped from here. 

Have sent you a number of telegrams. Impossible to get them through. Rations 
from Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle will be a great addition. Am using every- 
thing that can be secured here in way of food. Request authority to hold Bottoms 
and Edwards. 

To which reply was made as follows: 

Krauthoff, Commissary, San Francisco, Cal.: 

Retain Edwards and Bottoms for present. Case now en route, report to you. 
Advise when Edwards can be spared. Do you need additional officers? 

Sharpe, Commissary- General. 

Also the following: 

Krauthoff, Commissary, San Francisco, Cal.: 

Can you spare, temporarily, any clerks for Geary? If so, names. Is bottled water 
required for distribution? If so, quantity. Yours 19th received and action taken. 

Sharpe. 

This question in regard to bottled water was sent bv direction of the 
Chief of Staff. 

The following- telegram was received on the :^Oth from the purchas- 
fng commissary, Seattle: 

Wire directing purchase supplies received. Will ship by 25th and should arrive 
San Francisco 28th. Will ship al^out 50 tons provisions under orders from Colonel 
Davis to-morrow. 

Geary, Commissary. 

To which the following reply was sent: 

Geary, (/ommissury, Seattle, Wasli.: 

Replying your telegram this date stating you will ship from Seattle on 25th, that 
date entirely too late. Ship such portion as you can by 22d, reporting deficiency at 
earliest date, which will be ordered from elsewhere. 

Sh arpe, Co)ii mis.'tary- General. 

The following telegram hsis just been received from the purchasing 
commissary at Vancouver: 

Am making shipment, special train from Seattle and here, 200,000 rations ordered 
19th. Portland Chamber of Commerce has requested Subsistence Department to take 
charge of supplies they send. They desire distribution to be under direction of 
Army. Will try to wire Krauthoff. 

Davis, Commissary. 



28 RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

The different purchasing commissaries were telegraphed to report 
what stores purchased by them were en route to Manila via San Fran- 
cisco, so as to ascertain the quantities that might probably be lost in 
that city, so that duplicate orders for these supplies could be given for 
shipment to Manila. Definite information is not yet at hand, but 
probably very little, if any, stores en route from the East are lost. 

As a summary it may be stated that 900,000 rations have been ordered 
purchased for issue to the destitute in San Francisco, at an estimated 
cost of 23 cents per ration, making $198,000. 

An estimate of the stores lost in the depot in San Francisco, taken 
from the last returns received in this office, shows a loss of about 
$150,000. It appears from the telegrams of Colonel Davis, in Van- 
couver, that under General Funston's direction he has collected all the 
supplies from the posts in his department and forwarded them to San 
Francisco. It also appears from Major Krauthoff's telegram that he 
has been gathering all the food supplies that he can obtain. No esti- 
mate can possibly be made of the value of the stores obtained from 
these two sources. In order to ascertain something of this latter fact 
the following telegram was sent Colonel Davis at Vancouver, to which 
no reply has yet been received: 

Wire us articles and amounts of stores shipped l)y you to San Francisco. 

Sharpe, Commissary- General. 

Henry G. Sharpe, (.'<)iiniusf<((ry- General . 



[Telegram.] 

East Buffalo, N. Y., April 20, 1906. 
Gen. W. J. Shari'e, 

Co7}imissar)/-Ge)ieral, Washington, D. C: 

With your permission, would be glad to ship to General Funston, San Francisco, 

donation car fresh beef and provisions direct from our Wichita plant, including 

transportation, as our contrihution toward efforts of War Department for relief of 

'Frisco sufferers. * 

J. C. DOLD. 



[Telegram.] 

^^'AR Department, 
Office of the Commissary-General. 

April 20, 1906. 
J. C. DoLD, East Buffalo, N. Y.: 

Secretary War directs me to inform you that, as president National Red Cross 
Association, he accepts your most generous offer of a carload of fresh beef and pro- 
visions, as your contribution for the relief of the San Francisco sufferers, and expresses 
appreciation of this marked exhibition of your sympathy and patriotic sentiments. 
Please direct that the car be forwarded to San Francisco consigned to General Funs- 
ton, and notify me date of shipment. 

Shakpe, Commissary-General. 



[Memorandum for the Secretary of War.] 

War Department, 
Office of the Surcjeon-General, 

Washiiigton, April 21, 1906. 
On the morning of the 19th, as soon as it became evident that there had been 
extensive destruction of property in San Francisco, arrangements were made for the 



RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 29 

prompt shipment of medical supplies to replace those whicii mi|iht have l)een 
destroyed. The me(lical-siipj)ly ollicer at St. Louis, which is the nearest medical- 
supply de{)ot to San Francisco, was instructed to pack and jirepare for shipment, 
with packer's lists and bills of lading, general medical sui)plies according to the sup- 
ply-table allowance for a population of 20,000 for a year. Authority was obtained 
from the Secretary of War for the shipment of five car loads of medical supplies by 
express. These were to include a field hospital and three regimental hosjiitals, with 
canvas, and all necessary supplies for three months and a general assortment of medi- 
cines and medical supplies to complete the loading of five cars. 

A medical oliicer, who is appointed acting (luartermaster for the purpose of the 
trip, was ordered to be sent with these snpi)lies witii a detachment of three hospital 
corps men to care for and handle the property. 

Additional supplies are l)eing prepared for shipment as soon as information is 
received from San Francisco as to their needs and capacity to handle and care for 
supplies. 

The Surgeon-General on the 19th also consulted with the Surgeon-Ueneral oi' the 
Navy to arrange for the transfer of such medical supplies as might be needed from 
the naval medical supjily depot at ^lare Island to the chief surgeon, Department of 
California, and, by the courtesy of the honorable Secretary of the Navy, this arrange- 
ment was promptly made and telegraphed to the proper authorities. 

Copies of all requisitions which had been .sent to the San Francisco supply depot 
since April 1 for issue to posts about San Francisco and on the Pacific coast were 
made and sent to the St. Louis dejiot for issue from that dei)ot, it being assumed that 
most of these supplies had not been yet issued from the San Francisco depot. 

The chief surgeon, Dei)artment of California, has general authority to make 
emergency purchases of whatever may be necessary in the nearest cities. 

The surgeon at Vancouver Barracks has been ordered to purchase in Portland and 
ship to San Francisco 10,000 meters of gauze and 100 pounds absorbent cotton. 

As regards personnel: It was assumed that the Medical Department, for the pur- 
pose of caring for the sick and injured of the civil population of San Francisco, would 
make large use of civilian physicians and nurses, large luimbers of whom would be 
homeless and without employment. This expectation has evidently been justified, 
as no recjuests for additional personnel have come from the chief surgeon. Depart- 
ment of California. Preparation has been made, however, to send Company A, of 
the Hospital Corps, with two medical ofhcers, from this city to San Francisco. 

The supi)ly depot in San Francisco, which was entirely destroyed, was a large and 
important one, being the base for the Philippines. The total value of supplies 
therein, as figured from the cpiarterly return of stores of March 31, was $357,391.62. 
It will be necessary to replace these stores at once, but it is believed that this can not 
Vje done without exceeding the annual appropriation, which is barely adequate for 
the current needs of the Armv for the year. 

H. M. O'Reilly, 
SurgeoJi-dmeral U. S. Army, 



[Memomndum for the Secretary of War.] 

War Department, Office of the Surgeon-General, 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
It seems certain from advices received that the medical supply depot, 655 Mission 
street, must have been destroyed by fire, which involves the loss of all reserve medical 
supplies on the Pacific coast. It is also evident that it will not be possible to purchase 
others in San Francisco. It is suggested, therefore, that five carloads of medical 
supplies be sent by express from the medical supply depot at St. Louis, with a med- 
ical officer, a sergeant, and two privates of the Hospital Corps, to establish a tempo- 
rary depot at the Presidio, or the nearest Cxovernment reservation thereto, to which 
these supplies can be carried by rail, in order that the immediate needs of the situa- 
tion may be met. 

The approval of the Secretary is desired for making this shipment and for the 
transportation of tiie personnel above mentioned. 

R. M. O'Reilly, 
Surgeon- General U. S. Army. 
Approved. Issue all orders necessarv. 

\V. H. T. 



30 KELTEF FOE SAN FRANCISCO. 

[Telegram.] 

Wak Department, Office of the Si'rgeox-Ltexeral, 

WaKJtingtori, April 19, 1906. 
Lieut. Col. George H. Tornev, 

Depi I ti/ Surgeon- General, U. S. Armi/, Army (ieneral Ilosjntal, 

Presidio of San Francisco, Cal.: 
Wire condition of medical supply depot and supplies; also what supplies will be 
needed. Lieutenant Powell, assistant surgeon, with detachment Hospital Corps, will 
accompany live carloads of medical supplies from St. Louis, sent by express, with 
orders to report to department commander for duty as Brechemin's assistant. 
Navy Department will authorize issue to Brechemin such needed medical supplies as 
can be spared from Mare Island depot. Act on all requisitions without reference to 
this otRee until further orders. 

O' Keili-y, Surgeon-General. 



[Telegram.] 

Fort Mason, Cal., Ajyril 19, 1906. 
SuRGEON-CiENERAi., UNITED STATES Army, Washington, D. C: 

Medical supply depot was destroyed totally. Nothing saved. Nothing can be pur- 
chased here. Will call on the naval authorities for surgical dressings. \Vill need at 
once 80,000 yards of gauze, 100 pounds of absorbent cotton, and 2 barrels of alcohol. 
Every provision is being made for the care of the sick. The division hospital has 
been erected and the post hospital opened. The difficulty in caring for the sick lies 
in the scarcity of water, which is suthcient for drinking and cooking only. 

ToRNEY, Coininanding Hospital. 



[Telegram.] 

War Department, 
Office of Surgeon-General, 

Washington, Apnl 19, 1906. 
Crampton, 

Medical Supplg Dejjot, 204 South Eighth Street, St. Louis, Mo.: 
Medical supply depot, San Francisco, probably destroyed. Get ready for shii>- 
ment, with invoices and bills of lading, twenty times annual allowance post of 1,000, 
paragrajihs 246 to 258, inclusive. Use your discreti(jn as to what furniture and other 
nonexpendaljle articles you will include. Be prepared also to ship one or two field 
hospitals and several regimental hospitals. You are authorized to employ tempo- 
rarily such additional laborers as may be necessary. Acknowledge receipt. 

O'Reilly, Surgeon-General. 



[Telegram.] 

War Depart.ment, 
Office of the Strgeon-Genekal, 

Washington, April 19, 1.906. 
Lient, Col. Louis W. Crampton, 

Deputg Surgeon-General U. S. Army, 

Medical Supply Depot, 204-208 South Eighth street, St. Louis, Mo. 
The Secretary of War has authorized shipment of five carloads medical supplies by 
exjjress. Assistant Surgeon Powell and detachment Hospital Corps will report to you 
to accompanj' it. Have them assist in loading, so as to be familiar with location of 
articles. Ship one field hospital, three regimental hospitals, and other supplies, a« 
per telegram this morning. Add .sufficient to make up five cars. Authority granted 
to purchase articles not on hand. 

O' Reilly, Surgeon-General. 



RELIKK FOR SAN FKANCISOO. 31 

['ruk'Kniin.] 

St. r>()ris, ^Fi)., April 19, IDOd. 

SuHClCON-dlOXKK \I. I'mTKI) StaTE.S AkMY, 

Waxfi'nigtoii, I>. ('. 
Ti4('>^raiii reL-cixed. ^Vill "jo to work at oiux' for licld aiul rcLiiiiicntal liospital. 
Have all the rliestt^ and bedding, but no containern for the nuHlieine. Authority 
reciuested to purchase article^; not on hand. 

Chami'tox, fji('i(teii(()tt-( 'oloiit'l. 



Wak Department, 

OfKICE of THB: SrUCiEON-GENEUAL, 

W(ixhiii(/to)i, April 19, I'.iUn. 

Sik; 1 have the honor to recoruinend that First Lieut. William A. Powell, assistant 
surgeon, now at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., be detailed as acting quartermaster, and 
with a sergeant and two privates, (irst class, or privates, Hospital Corps, to be selecte<l 
by the conmianding otticer, .Jefferson Barracks, be directed to proceed to St. Louis, 
Mo., and report in person to Lient. Col. L(.Hiis W. Cranipton, deputy surgeon-general, 
in charge of medical supply depot in that city, to accomi)any medical sup])lies to be 
forwarded l)y express to San Francisco, Cal., and u])on arrival in that city Lieutenant 
Powell will report himself and liis detachment to the commanding general, Depart- 
ment of California, for tem])orary duty as assistant to the medical supply officer. 

It is reijuested that the order be communicated by telegraph. 
Verv resnectfullv, 



The >Di,it\rv Secketakv ok the Awmv. 



K. M. O'Reii.lv, 
S)ir<je()n-<u'iii'ral V. S. Armi/. 



[Telearrani.] 

The Military Secretary's Office, 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 

Co.M.MAXDINt; CeXERAL, DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, 

Omaha, Nebr.: 
Secretary of War directs, as necessary for the pulilic service, that you order Fir.«t 
Lieut. William A. Powell, assistant surgeon, and two privates, first class. Hospital 
Corps, to be selected by the commanding officer, Jefferson Barracks, to proceed to 
St. Louis, Mo., and report in person to Lieutenant-Colonel Cranipton, (leputy surgeon- 
general, to accompany medical supplies to be forwarded by express to San Francisi-o, 
Cal., and upon arrival at that city Lieutenant l^owell will l)e directed to report with 
his detachment to the commanding general. Department of California, for temporary 
duty as assistant to the medical supply officer. Lieut. William A. Powell fs 
appointed acting quartermaster. 

McCain, AcHikj Mililari/ Sccretarij. 



War Departmext, 
Office of the Surgeon-Ceneral, 

WasIiiiKjton, April 19, WOC. 
vSir: In view of the probable destruction of the medical supply depot. United 
States Army, ()5o Mission street, San Francisco, and the possible neetl of medical 
supplies before a new stock can l)e sent, it is desired that the honorable Secretary of 
the Navy be requested to authorize, by telegraph, the issue to the Medical Depart- 
ment of the Army, upon re<iuisition approved by the chief surgeon. Department of 
California, of such medical and hos[)ital supplies as can be conveniently spared from 
the medical depot at 3Iare Island, California. These will he paid for, upon the 
receipt of bills, by the transfer of funds in the usual way to the proper appropriation. 
Very respectfully, 

R. M. O'Reilly, 
Suryi'on-O'eneral, U. *S'. Array. 
The Military Secretary of the Ah.my. 



82 RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

[Memorandum Uir the Sei-retary of War.] 

War Department, 
Office of the Scrgeox-Ueneral, 

Wai^lmujton, April 19, 1906. 
This Office has not yet been informed that there is a necessity for sencHng trained 
nurses to San Francisco, but if the demand should be made for such assistance, it is 
believed that any number of competent nurses could be obtained and forwarded t(3 
that citv on short notice. 

K. M. O'Reii.ly, 
Surgeoii-dnierdl, (\ S. Aiiny. 



[Telegram.] 

\V A H DeI'A K r.M EXT, 

Office of the Sur(;eon-(ten'kral, 

Wat^ldrujion, April /!/, 1906. 
Asst. Surg. William A. Powell, 

Jefferson Barracks, Mo.: 
Pursuant to telegraphic orders sent you this day by ^Military Secretary you will 
take charge of the cars of medical supplies destined for San Francisco, telegraphing 
progress from time to time to the chief surgeon, general hospital, Presidio, and also to 
this Office. The Surgeon-General directs that you spare no exertion to deliver these 
supplies in San Francisco or nearest available point indicated by chief surgeon, and 
relies on you for success. You should get all necessary authority to control tiiese 
supplies from the authorities of the express company in St. Louis. 

O'Keillv, Sitrfieoii-< General. 



W a R L) EP a RT.M EXT, 

Office of the Surgeon-General, 

]Vaslun(iton, April ;J0, 1906. 
Surgeon-General Uxited States Navy, 

Navy Department, Washimjlon, D. C. 
Sir: ] have the honor to furnish you with the following extract from a telegram 
dated April 19, received this morning, from the chief surgeon. Department of Cali- 
fornia: 

" Will call on the naval authorities for surgical dressings." 
Very respectfully, vour obedient servant, 

R. M. O'Reilly, 
Surgeon-General ['. S. Army. 



[Telegram.] 

War Department, 
Office of the Surgeox-Ltexeral, 

Wasldngtoii, April -20, 1906. 

TORNEY, 

Cliief Surgeon, Department of California, Presidio, San Francisco, Cal.: 
If you want the hospital corps company from Washington, about 100 enlisted men 
and o medical officers strong, telegraph nie. Your telegram of yesterday received. 
Supplies ordered Ity express from St. Louis. 

O'REiLkY, Surgeon-General. 



[Telegram.] 

Sax Francisco, Cal., Ajnil 19, 1906. 
The Military Secretary, Washington, D. (',; 

Don't use cipher in dispatches; codes have been destroyed. 

Finston, < 'oiinnajidiiig. 



RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 33 

[Memorandum for the Chief of Staff.] 

War Department, 
Office of the Sukgeon-Genekal, 

WoKlilngton, April 20, 190G. 
In reply to your verbal request to l)e inforined of the money value of the medical 
property destroyed by tire in the medical sui)ply depot, 655 Mission street, San Fran- 
cisco, Cal., I have the honor to state that a caleulatiou based upon the quarterly 
return of March 31, 1906, shows it to be as follows: 

Medical property, posts |815,o60.46 

Medical property, field 36, 585. 54 

Dental property 3, 365. 02 

Depot's equipment 2, 080. 60 

Total 357,391.62 

R. M. O'Reilly, 

Surg eon- General, U. S. Army. 



[Telegram.] 



St. Louis, Mo., April £0, 1906. 
Surgeon-General, United States Army, 

Wasldngton, D. C: 
No express cars available to-day. Am rushing things as much as possible. Hope 
to leave here Saturday night. 

Powell, Assistant Surgeon. 



[Telegram. 



St. Louis, Mo., April 20, 1906. 



Surgeon-General United States Army, 

Washington, I). ('.: 
Telegrams of yesterday p. m. and to-day received. Cars are promised to-morrow 
morning, w^hen loading will begin. It is estimated that twenty or more cars will be 
required to make whole shipment. Shall I send in the five cars a percentage of arti- 
cles most needed and the balance to follow by freight? What is most needed? 

Crampton. 
2.12 p. m. 



[Telegram.] 



Headquarters of DepartxMENt, 

Fort Mason, Cal, April 20, 1906. 
Surgeon-General, Washington, D. C: 

Your offer send company 100 men. Hospital Corps, to assist Colonel Torney 
received at these headquarters. Request they be sent immediately. They will be 
very much needed in the near future. Please communicate copy this message to 
Military Secretary. 

FuNSTON, Commanding. 



War Department, Office of the Surgeon-General, 

Washington, April 21, 1906. 

Sir: I have the honor to request that Capt. Harry L. Gilchrist, assistant surgeon, 

U. S. Army, and First Lieut. William T. Davis, assistant surgeon, U. S. Army, with 

100 men from Company A, Hospital Corps, be directed to proceed with the least 

possible delay from Washington Barracks, D. C, to San Francisco, Cal., and report 

H. Doc. 714, 59-1 3 



34 RELIEF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. 

to the commanding general, Department of California, for duty. Captain Gilchrist 
should be directed to take with him a field hospital complete and thirty days' rations. 
First Lieutenant Davis should be appointed quartermaster. 
Very respectfully, 

E. M. O'Reilly, 
Surgeon-General, U. S.-Army. 
The Military Secretary, 

War Department. 



[Telegram.] 

War Department, 
Office of the Surgeon-General, 

Washington, April 21, 1906. 
Flagg, Surgeon, Vancouver Barracks, Wash.: 

Purchase and ship by express to chief surgeon, Presidio of San Francisco, 10,000 
meters of gauze and 50 kilos absorbent cotton. Wire action taken and estimate of 
cost. 

O'Reilly, Surgeon-General. 

o 



LB JL '06 



